Child hunger spikes when school lets out because millions of children lose access to the school breakfasts, lunches, and afterschool snacks and meals they receive during the regular school year. 22 million kids across the country rely on school meals. When schools close for summer often those meal programs shut down too. For 22 million children, summer is the hungriest time of year. Our Summer Meals Program helps close this gap by providing free meals and snacks to children 18 and under at sites in low-income communities or that serve primarily low-income children. Most summer meal sites provide educational, enrichment, or recreational activities that keep children learning, active, and safe when school is not in session.